Customer Reviews

Black Mask

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm trying to figure out the name/artist of a song that plays during this film. It plays about 16 or so minutes into the movie in the backround when detective rock walks through the crowd to meet king kao at his hideout. I don't think it's on the album cuz I listened to all the samples. Someone help me out please! Thanks.

Couple of clarifications, right up front: the movie version that made its way to the U.S. was awful, worthy perhaps of its cult status, and I too was seeking the music in the film when I purchased this. Also, I am not the biggest hip-hop fan: I like rap, a lot, but don't know underground, above-ground, this scene or that scene.

That said, this album has consistently been one of my favorites ever since I bought it, especially for workout purposes. I always run to this and sometimes hit the bag to this. You can't hear the 701 Squad intro and not get a little bit psyched, IMO, for a killer workout. I heartily endorse this record.

Actually, I wanted to give this CD a 2.5-star rating, but I can't, so I was nice and gave it three instead.

This is a very ruff-sounding soundtrack of mostly underground artists that will appeal only to the most hardcore rap afficionados. Unlike most rap soundtracks, there isn't a single track on this CD intended as a radio or club tune; it's all ill underground New York stuff intended for those who like street-style rap. So don't even consider buying it if you've never heard of Big L, Jigmastas, or Deadly Snakes. That said, even if you are a hardcore rap fan, there is still some questionable material on this CD.

What's surprising, in my opinion at least, is that a lot of the better material is only heard towards the end of the CD, whereas most of the earlier tracks are poor in comparison. The album gets off to a bad start with the all-star collaboration 'We're Takin' It All', featruing Royce Da 5'9" and Diamonds-N-Da-Ruff. It comes off sounding too cheesy to be taken seriously. The album does, however, gain back a bit of ground with the smooth Natural Elements' 'Live It Up'. Next up is by far the illest song on the album - Deadly Snakes' 'Wild West' - which, despite its cliched title, is an absolutely banging street track that will definitely capture your ears.

After 'Wild West', however, the CD again descends into a series of tracks that range from 'aiight' to downright [bad]. Big L (RIP) delivers on DITC's 'Get Yours', but he's done far better than this, and I'm sure his fans would want far better. 'Killin' Spree' by Defari fails to catch your ears at all. The CD gains ground again with DV Alias Kurst's 'The Attack Is On' with its ill, action-flowing beat, but his lyrics and delivery can be painful to listen to at times. The 'downright [bad]' description most certainly applies to the next four tracks, 'We're On Top Of Thangs' by Council, 'Fires In Hell' by Half-A-Mil, 'Who You Lovin' by Cardan, and 'F.A.Y.B.A.N.' by Screwball (the latter has a good Premier-produced beat, but the HORRIBLE chorus will make you skip ahead immediately).

Fortunately, after this long selection of poor material, the CD comes back with a vengeance, starting with the grooved-out 'Pimpin' by Willie Stubz. Everlast as usual delivers on 'Painkillers', a surprisingly vivid track. Perhaps one of the tightest-sounding songs on the album is next - Jigmastas' 'Last Will and Testimony'. With its laid-back delivery and simple but smooth-flowing beat, this is a song that will be bangin' on your stereo for a long time to come. Finally, the CD wraps up with the very hardcore-sounding (it's name tells it all) 'Heavy Metal, Part 2' by Bigfoot, more good car stuff.

Overall, this is a CD that could have been better if not dragged down by so much poor-to-average quality material. It's only for the die-hard B-boys, and even then, it may be a tough decision. Now, the only question is, what do any of the songs on this album have to do with genetically-enhanced supersoldiers in Hong Kong?

For those whove seen the movie, you've heard the songs. They bring out the true bounce and rhythm of the movie. As soundtracks go, the produces of this album did a good job in mixin the artists and the sounds. This is one you need for you collection to keep you moving at high speeds.

If you're looking for the drum&bass/trance/house that was in the movie, look elsewhere. The soundtrack only has underground hip hop, of which little was played during the movie. If you're into the underground hip hop scene, get your hands on it . . . a couple of the tracks by themselves are worth the price of the whole thing. Get it on vinyl!

For those whove seen the movie, you've heard the songs. They bring out the true bounce and rhythm of the movie. As soundtracks go, the produces of this album did a good job in mixin the artists and the sounds. This is one you need for you collection to keep you moving at high speeds.

the track is phat! sweet beats lace the whole album as well as silky smooth lyrics. anyone who likes rap with a beat should buy this album, it was hard to find a bad song on the whole track. song after song had great beats that flowed smoothly. the movie was great and the sound track compliments the movie like cake and icecream!